Taoreed Abdullahi
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his commitment to better serving Lagosians and his supporters.
At a media briefing in Lagos, Adediran stated that his decision followed extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, and well-meaning Lagosians. According to him, the PDP’s inability to instill discipline within its ranks and address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections influenced his decision to leave.
“The primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and form a government that contributes to the welfare, security, and development of the people. We have decided to join a political party that prioritizes winning, regardless of who is on the ballot,” Adediran said.
He revealed that he had informed APC leaders at both state and national levels about his decision, and their response was welcoming. He assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his team’s readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Reflecting on his experience in PDP, Adediran disclosed that while the party’s national leadership tried to persuade him to stay, the Lagos chapter engaged in “a campaign of calumny” against him. He criticized the leadership of the Lagos PDP for allegedly working against the party’s interests in elections.
“In APC, we have a leader who, even if you fault his selection choices, always prioritizes winning for his party. In Lagos PDP, you have a leader who, at every election cycle, works against his party and dashes the hopes of many members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative,” he asserted.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Seyi Tinubu for facilitating his return to APC. He noted that Seyi Tinubu personally reached out to encourage his defection, saying, “Egbon, this is the time to come back home.”
Adediran assured his supporters that his move to APC was in Lagos’ best interest and urged them to embrace the new chapter. He emphasized his continued commitment to service, integrity, and progress, stating that working within the APC provides a more viable platform to deliver good governance for Lagosians—even if he is not the one on the ballot.